Government accused of breaking promise on dangerous dogs law

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/po ... 08172.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Government was accused today of failing to fulfil a promise to strengthen the law on dangerous dogs despite continuing attacks against members of the public and workers.

The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents postal staff, said the Government promised to make an announcement before the Easter recess, which started last week, but had "broken its word".

More than 23,000 postal workers have been attacked by dogs over the past four years, while many members of the public, including children, have also been the victims of attacks.

CWU general secretary Billy Hayes said: "How many more tragedies will it take for the Government to stop the irresponsible shilly-shallying of the past two years since David Cameron gave us an assurance in 2010 that he would act. His words have proved to be empty."

The union pointed out that the Scottish and Northern Ireland governments and Welsh Assembly had all changed the law to crack down on irresponsible dog owners.

The CWU is pressing for the law to be changed to cover attacks on private land, where most incidents involving postal workers take place.

The Royal Mail launched an inquiry into dog attacks last month to study issues such as the law.

More than 4,000 working days have been lost over the past year because of attacks on postal workers, costing the Royal Mail around £400,000.

Almost 400 postmen and women have taken time off sick since last April after being attacked by dogs.

[brothermagrew]

Me thinks Billy Boy has jumped the gun on this one.

The union pointed out that the Scottish and Northern Ireland Governments and Welsh Assembly had all changed the law to crack down on irresponsible dog owners.

Most certainly the Scottish and Northern Ireland Governments have changed the law to crack down on irresponsible dog owners including covering attacks on private property.

However, with regards to the Welsh Assembly:
On 8th February 2012 the Welsh Assembly held a debate on the issue of dangerous dogs referencing the CWU Bite Back campaign. The debate was lead by Julie Morgan, Assembly Member for Cardiff North. The Assembly agreed the legislation should be strengthened to educate dog breeders and owners and emphasise the importance of dog training and socialisation to prevent horrific attacks. The Assembly highlighted the shortfall in the existing legislation to offer protection to victims of dog attacks where the attack takes place on private property thereby failing to protect public-service workers.

The Welsh Government concluded with a commitment to make swift progress on the issues raised.

As far as I know nothing concrete has yet been set in statute by the Welsh Assembly. Unless you know different

[slave]

Is there money for the Condems to make out of this? If not then I guess it'll wait...